Posted on Sun, Mar. 30, 2008

Davidson Digest | Answering the Curry questions

KEVIN CARY

News and Notes

Answering the Curry questions

More than half of the questions directed at Kansas players referred to Davidson star Stephen Curry Saturday, but the Jayhawks said they won't get too caught up in trying to slow him down.

Guard Brandon Rush and guard Russell Robinson are both expected to guard Curry at times today, and Rush said he is hopeful that his height can bother Curry.

"Maybe my length can give him some trouble," said the 6-foot-6 inch Rush, who is four inches taller than Curry. "But I know we will all have to switch it up a bit."

Robinson, at 6-foot-2, is the same size as Curry, but he said another way to stop the Davidson star is to focus on one of his teammates.

"Point guard Jason Richards runs the team," he said. "So, if you take him out, then half the job on Curry is done."

Kansas coach Bill Self doesn't expect his team to make drastic changes today.

"We can't change who we are in a 30-minute practice," he said. "What we've done all year long has been pretty effective. The biggest thing is, whoever is guarding Curry has to be locked in. As soon as you relax, he makes you pay."

• Davidson forward Max Paulhus Gosselin realizes why many fans across the nation have adopted the Wildcats.

"People are looking for role models right now, not only for children but for fans," he said. "The media has portrayed us positively, and people are drawn toward others who are successful. We are just happy to be role models or a good example to some people."

Paulhus Gosselin and other Davidson players had to wait while Curry answered almost a dozen questions in an afternoon news conference, but he said all the attention Curry receives does not bother him.

"In your family, if your brother does well, are you jealous of him?" Paulhus Gosselin said. "He represents our program really well, so why be jealous of success when you can just be behind him and help him get better?"

Observations

• Davidson players were the most relaxed they have been all season. Wildcat players teased forward Thomas Sander, because his name was spelled "Snader" on the media podium. Wherever the senior forward went for the next hour, teammates called him by his new name.

• Players and coaches from both teams expect a fast pace for today's game. Both teams average at least 78 points a game, and neither is expected to slow things down. That will put a premium on fitness, as well as depth.

• Kansas players talked confidently in the press conference, and that's understandable. The Jayhawks will have the advantage in size and quickness, making it difficult for Davidson to match up. But Kansas must close out Davidson early, because the majority of Sunday's crowd will be pulling for the Wildcats.

• Davidson needs another strong effort from reserve forward Boris Meno. Meno gave the Wildcats one of his most aggressive games of the season Friday night, and he can match up with Kansas players on the inside because of his athletic ability.

By the numbers

550

Davidson students expected for the game

4

Kansas players 6-foot-9 or taller.

0

Davidson players over 6-9.

3

Ranked opponents Davidson has beaten in past three games.

8

No.10 seeds to reach the Elite 8 before Davidson. None of them reached the Final Four.

Davidson-Kansas Matchups